A man is understood to have died from a heart attack after arriving at the scene of a crash in which his friend was killed.

A 58-year-old woman lost her life in a two-car crash on the Townhill Road, Portglenone this morning.

A short time later a man arrived at the scene and took seriously ill. Tragically, he too died a short time later.

A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with the fatal crash.

Superintendent Ryan Henderson said: “The woman was involved in the collision at around 6:30am this morning. Sadly, she passed away at the scene.

“Officers arrested a 21-year-old man a short time later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He is helping with enquiries at present."

Superintendent Henderson added: “A man arrived in the Townhill Road area immediately after the collision and was taken ill. He was treated by paramedics at the scene but sadly died this morning in hospital.

“The man is not a relative of the deceased woman but they were known to one another. The death of the man is not being investigated by police at present.

“I would ask that anyone who was in the area at around 6:30am this morning and witnessed the collision please contact police on the non-emergency number 101.”

Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay has expressed his condolences following the deaths of two people in a road collision outside Rasharkin today.

Mr McKay said: "The deaths of a man and a woman in a collision on the Townhill Road outside Rasharkin today have caused a deep sense of shock and sadness in the local area.

"These road deaths are all the more tragic coming so close to Christmas.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of both of those who died at this very difficult and sad time."

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey added: "Unfortunately we have seen many tragedies on our roads and the collision on the Townhill Road is another reminder of the dangers both motorists and pedestrians can face.

"The death of a man who later arrived on the scene makes this a double tragedy any my thoughts and prayers are with the two families as they struggle to cope with their loss."